Upper Arlington, OH

Upper Arlington, Ohio, has a Cook PVI of D+21, meaning it votes about 21 points more Democratic than the national average. That’s a pretty dramatic shift from what this area used to be. I’ve lived here long enough to remember when this was a reliably conservative suburb—folks voted for fiscal responsibility, local control, and keeping government out of your backyard. Now, the political lean is solidly blue, and the trajectory is only getting more progressive with each election cycle. It’s not just a blip; it’s a real change in the neighborhood’s DNA.

How it compares

To really understand Upper Arlington’s politics, you have to look at what’s around it. Drive ten minutes south to Grandview Heights, and you’ll find a similar D+ vibe—maybe even a little more left-leaning on social issues. But head north or west to places like Dublin or Hilliard, and you’ll see a much more balanced mix, with plenty of conservative-leaning precincts. The real contrast is with the rural townships just outside Franklin County—places like Union County or Delaware County—where the Cook PVI flips hard to the right, often R+15 or more. In those areas, you still hear talk about property rights, school choice, and limited government. In Upper Arlington, that conversation has been replaced by discussions on equity initiatives, climate action plans, and zoning overhauls that feel like they come straight from a city planner’s dream, not from what residents actually want. It’s a stark reminder that your vote here is increasingly out of step with the rest of central Ohio.

What this means for residents

For a long-time resident who values personal freedoms, this shift is more than just an annoyance—it’s a red flag. The local government has gotten more comfortable with what feels like overreach: stricter housing regulations, mandates on everything from energy efficiency to lawn care, and a school board that’s been pushing curriculum changes that prioritize ideology over academics. You used to be able to trust that the city would stay out of your business, but now there’s a creeping sense that every decision is filtered through a progressive lens. Property taxes are high—among the highest in the state—and they keep climbing to fund programs that a lot of us never asked for. If you’re someone who believes in keeping government small and local, you’ll find yourself increasingly at odds with the direction of the city council and school board. The long-term outlook? Unless there’s a major political realignment, expect more of the same: more regulations, higher taxes, and a cultural environment that feels less like the Upper Arlington of the 1990s and more like a suburb of Portland.

One cultural distinction that stands out is the area’s strong identity as a “family-first” community, but that’s being redefined. In the past, that meant great schools, safe streets, and a hands-off approach from the city. Now, it often means mandatory diversity training for staff, bike lane expansions that reduce road capacity, and a push for “affordable housing” mandates that could change the character of the neighborhood. The local paper and Nextdoor are full of debates about these issues, and the divide is real. If you’re considering a move here, just know that the political climate is not what it used to be. It’s a friendly, well-kept place, but the government’s appetite for involvement in your daily life is growing. Keep an eye on the school board elections and city council meetings—that’s where the real battles are happening.